Store Manager Resume Example
Pursuing a career as a store manager provides opportunities for career progression and responsibilities involving ensuring KPIs achievement and managing daily operations. If you want to stand out with your store manager applications, you'll need to create a professional resume that makes a strong impression on employers. In this article, we'll discuss how to create a store manager resume that catches the eye of employers, with tips and examples to help you write your own.
This comprehensive guide will give you all the tools you need to craft a store manager resume that positions you strongly against other candidates. You'll find valuable tips on writing a resume that best showcases your unique skills and achievements. There is also extensive guidance on how to structure your resume to match the job description, and to reflect your experience levels to impress HR specialists and employers. Read on to access expert insights from Jobseeker that will help you create a winning store manager resume.
Core sections to include in a store manager resume
A successful store manager resume will typically include each of the sections listed below, with some optional sections.
If you're applying for junior, entry-level or graduate store manager positions and you lack work experience, consider using a skills-based resume format to emphasize your skills and education. Soft and transferable skills are often more highly valued by employers for junior roles, so highlight these. Also add any internships, volunteer work or training courses you've undertaken.
Work experience is typically the most important resume section for store manager applicants with some prior experience. As such, it's best to use a traditional, reverse-chronological resume format. Your resume should focus on your career achievements, and the role you've played in successful projects and activities for your employers. Consult the job description for guidance on what to showcase, and provide evidence to support your claims.
Senior job applications require a slightly different approach to mid-level or junior store manager roles. Use a reverse-chronological format focusing on your work experience, with a particular emphasis on the impact you've made. Your senior resume will likely be more comprehensive than resumes for more junior roles. You can add extra details about your career, such as awards, publications presentations, professional memberships or certifications.
The order you present these sections can vary according to your career stage, but it's still essential to include each of the following:
Resume Header and Personal Information
A store manager resume header contains your name and contact information. Add your first and last name, your phone number and your email address. Include your address or location, but avoid adding any other personal information. If you have a LinkedIn profile, you can add the URL to your header so the hiring manager can get a better understanding of your work history and experience. Keep your header clear and concise, with only the most necessary information included. Opt for a stylish, professional design that creates a strong first impression.
Opt for a professional-looking email address based on your name. If your email address could be construed as unprofessional or inappropriate because it contains nicknames or unsuitable language, create a new, more professional email address for your job applications. Always check your contact details to make sure they're up-to-date before you send your resume.
Stephen Gray
stephen.gray@example.com
(111) 222 33 444 55
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC
linkedin․com/in/stephen–gray123
Resume Summary
The next section is the resume summary. The section might also be called 'resume objective' or 'personal profile'. This is a brief introduction to you, your key skills and your career achievements and ambitions. While a resume summary focuses on your career achievements and experience, a resume objective typically focuses on your ambitions for the future. In addition, your objective should highlight why you're an ideal candidate for store manager roles by showing key skills and qualities that reflect the job description.
Alternatively, focus on introducing your career ambitions, and why this role is a good fit, both for you and the organization.
A great resume summary should highlight why you're an ideal candidate for store manager roles by showing key skills and qualities that reflect the job description and provide evidence to support them. It should also introduce your personality and unique qualities to the reader, to help them start to form an opinion about you as a candidate. See below for some great examples of how to approach your store manager resume.
Good example:
Dynamic and results-driven store manager with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and extensive experience in retail operations management. Demonstrated expertise in optimizing store performance, enhancing customer satisfaction, and driving sales growth. Proven track record in team leadership, inventory control, and implementing operational efficiencies. Adept at developing strategic plans, managing budgets, and maintaining high standards of store presentation. Skilled in leveraging data analytics to inform decision-making and improve overall business outcomes
Bad example:
Store manager with some experience in business and retail. Worked in roles where I helped improve store operations and customer experiences. Have experience in leading teams and managing stock. Focused on planning, budgeting, and keeping the store looking good. Used data to help make decisions and improve business results
Conversely, a bad resume summary might be too generic, lacking focus on the specifics of the job description. It will also fail to provide any useful insights on what makes you a unique candidate. See above for some examples of things to avoid when writing your store manager resume summary.
Work Experience
Your resume work experience section is the chance to show your relevant previous jobs and career achievements as a store manager. For each entry, list the job title, the name of the employer, its location and the dates you worked there. Add each job in reverse-chronological order, starting with your current or most recent role.
Also include some bullet points for each job mentioned, showcasing your achievements so the employer can see the impact you made on the company. Pay attention to the job description and make sure each point is relevant to store manager roles.
A good work experience section pulls the reader in with clear examples of where you've put the skills necessary for the job into good use in your career to date. This typically includes evidence of how your skills and activities contributed to positive outcomes for the organization. See below for some good examples of what to include in your resume work experience section.
Good example:
Retail Operations Manager, January 2022 - Present
Evergreen Retail Solutions, Greensboro
- Increased annual sales revenue by 25% through strategic inventory management and enhanced customer service initiatives
- Reduced operational costs by 15% by streamlining supply chain processes and renegotiating vendor contracts
- Implemented a staff training program that improved employee retention rates by 30% and customer satisfaction scores by 20%
Bad example:
Retail Operations Manager, January 2022 - Present
Evergreen Retail Solutions, Greensboro
- Improved sales performance through effective management and customer service
- Reduced costs by optimizing processes and vendor relations
- Enhanced employee skills and customer experience through training programs
In the graphic above, you'll see some examples of less effective resume work experience sections. A poor resume work experience section would typically use vague descriptions of activities in previous jobs, while focusing too much on responsibilities rather than achievements. Failing to focus on the skills and experience that match the job description is likely to harm your chances of success.
Education
Under education, add details of any degrees or professional qualifications relevant to store manager roles.
To work as a store manager, employers tend to require candidates to have a specialist degree, such as a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). If you have this degree, focus on it in your education section, while also mentioning any educational achievements that show your staff scheduling software or customer service techniques.
List your relevant qualifications in reverse-chronological order. Add the name and level of the award, the institution, its location (if this isn't obvious from the name) and your dates of study. You can enhance this section by adding bullet points that show any outstanding grades, awards or achievements and any specialist subjects you studied. These details can make you stand out from other candidates.
Membership or leadership of any societies, clubs or causes while studying can also make a positive impression on hiring managers. Consider adding these to your education section for more insight into how you used your time as a student.
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), 2017 - 2020
University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Hard and Soft Skills
The skills section of a store manager resume is a chance to list any skills you have that match those of the job description. You could include financial report analysis, effective team leadership or any other skills that show you're a suitable candidate. Again, include any skills that match those listed in the job description. Focus particularly on technical skills required for store manager jobs and transferable skills that show your qualities as a store manager.
How to include hard skills on your store manager resume
Hard skills are the key technical skills required for store manager positions. They include specific industry knowledge and abilities that you could learn on the job, or through a specialist qualification. Furthermore, an extensive list of hard skills helps to make a compelling case for your store manager job applications, as they show employers your understanding of the store manager role. It's best to aim for four or five key hard skills that match the job description. These can really showcase your suitability for the job.
The best resume hard skills sections focus on specific technical skills necessary for the job, showcasing skills that you have particular expertise in. There are some examples of valuable hard skills for a store manager resume below.
- Inventory management systems
- POS system operation
- Financial report analysis
Adding soft skills to your store manager resume
In your soft skills list, include any personal characteristics that make you a good fit for a store manager job. Soft skills tend to be more universal than hard skills, but they're no less important. Indeed, without soft skills, you may struggle to adapt to store manager roles or meet the standards expected of you. So make sure you include several key soft skills on your resume. Aim to include approximately five soft skills that reflect the skills listed in the job description.
The strongest resume soft skills sections include a mix of skills that match your best personal strengths, and that reflect the skills listed in the job description. See below for some examples of effective soft skills for a store manager resume.
- Customer service excellence
- Effective team leadership
- Problem-solving abilities
Certifications and Training
Under certifications and licenses, add any further qualifications that show you're a good fit for the job. You could list accreditations for certain professional roles or licenses for certain activities that help to make you a strong candidate. Therefore, add any professional licenses or certifications, along with valid dates that show they're still valid.
Review the list below for some suitable certifications for a store manager resume:
- PMP Certification, 2022
- Six Sigma Green, 2022
- CSM Certification, 2022
Optional Information
If you need to provide further evidence of your suitability for the job, optional sections can be useful for a store manager resume. Take a look at the sections below and add any that help you show how and why you're right for the job.
Personal Hobbies and Interests
Adding your hobbies and interests is a legitimate way of showing off your skills and personal qualities. Consider listing hobbies and interests to help your resume stand out, or to provide the employer with some insight into your personality and wider interests. They're perfect for candidates who might lack genuine work experience as a store manager. Think about adding hobbies and interests to your resume if they add some insight into your personality that you can't express elsewhere in your application.
Voluntary Work
This section can be valuable for a store manager resume, if you've done any voluntary work that showcases your relevant skills. Write your volunteer section in a similar format to your work experience, including your role, the organization name, relevant dates and the details of your contribution.
References
Standard store manager resumes don't tend to include references, but you might find them requested occasionally. Check the job advert to see if you'll need to add references to your resume. Include a maximum of three professional references, being sure to check with your referees before including them in your resume.
Please contact me for a list of references.
Best action words for your store manager resume
Action words can help illustrate to the hiring manager the difference you made in each of your previous jobs. The suggested action verbs below will help the reader to understand your key qualities and the impact you made on the organization.
- Oversee
- Coordinate
- Implement
- Manage
- Optimize
- Train
- Delegate
- Evaluate
- Strategize
- Supervise
Jobseeker's resume templates were created by careers experts to help you produce a professional resume in minutes. You can also find cover letter templates to complete an eye-catching job application that gets you noticed.
Sample store manager resume
The store manager resume example below incorporates all the information from above into a full-designed resume template, so you can see how a final resume will look:
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC
•
stephen.gray@example.com
•
(111) 222 33 444 55
•
linkedin․com/in/stephen–gray123
Dynamic and results-driven Store Manager with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and extensive experience as a Retail Operations Manager. Proven track record in optimizing store performance, enhancing customer satisfaction, and driving sales growth. Skilled in team leadership, inventory management, and strategic planning to achieve business objectives. Adept at implementing process improvements and fostering a positive retail environment.
Retail Operations Manager
2020
-2022
Mercantile Dynamics Ltd (Detroit)
- Increased annual sales revenue by 25% through strategic inventory management and enhanced customer experience initiatives
- Reduced operational costs by 15% by optimizing supply chain processes and renegotiating vendor contracts
- Implemented a new staff training program, resulting in a 30% improvement in employee productivity and customer satisfaction scores
Inventory management systems
POS system operation
Financial report analysis
Customer service excellence
Effective team leadership
Problem-solving abilities
PMP Certification
Six Sigma Green
English - Fluent
Spanish - B2
Key tips for a store manager resume
Tips to write the best resume
- List your qualifications in your education section, including any necessary degrees or certifications, along with high grades.
- Aim for a brief, concise store manager resume. One page is ideal for junior roles, while two pages are more suitable for senior positions.
- Use a clear, professional resume format to make your document as accessible as possible, including a readable font and appropriate headings, margins and line spacing. This will make your resume easier for recruiters and hiring managers to read.
- Add each relevant job in reverse-chronological order, beginning with your current or most recent position and working back from there.
- Proofread your resume before sending it, to avoid any unnecessary mistakes that may harm your chances.
Things to avoid on your resume
- Don't use complex and elaborate formatting that can make your store manager resume less readable and more difficult for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan.
- Don't lie or exaggerate any information on your store manager resume, as this can cause you problems further down the line.
- Don't use passive language - steer away from phrases like 'I was asked to' and use action words instead.
- Don't write any unnecessary personal details on your resume. Details such as age, gender or nationality can lead to unintentional recruitment bias.
- Don't mention hobbies or interests unless they help you prove a skill required for the role, that you haven't included elsewhere.
How to make your resume ATS compliant
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) help recruiters and employers to manage their hiring process. They can handle some of the more time-consuming and resource-intensive jobs, such as initial screening of resumes. Employers often receive hundreds of applications per vacancy, and ATS software can quickly and accurately scan and rank resumes based on their likely suitability for any role. When you're writing your store manager resume, there are several things you can do to make sure your resume stands the best chance of passing the ATS stage.
Here are a few quick tips for creating an ATS-friendly resume:
- Use a traditional resume layout, such as a reverse-chronological or functional format. This will mean your resume includes all the necessary sections, in the expected order.
- Add keywords throughout your resume that help ATS software match your application to the job description. A higher match means your application is more likely to proceed to be reviewed by human eyes.
- Using clear, simple headings makes it easier for an ATS application to scan your resume, as it can easily identify what's in each section of your document.
- Use a resume design that includes clean, professional design elements to give your content space to breathe. This might include clear, readable fonts, subtle color accents and simple design elements.
- Keep your resume as concise as possible, to make it easier to read, and for ATS software to scan.
If you need help creating a professional resume, take a look at our expert career articles and variety of resume examples created by careers experts.
FAQs for a store manager resume
As well as writing a professional store manager resume, you'll need a cover letter to introduce yourself and emphasize your credentials.
Check the job description to see whether a full, formal cover letter is necessary. In some situations, it might be more suitable to simply send a brief email to introduce yourself and accompany your resume.
For a full, traditional cover letter, follow formal letter-writing conventions with your header, address line and greetings. The main text of the letter tends to be split into three short paragraphs. Firstly, introduce yourself, confirm the role you're applying for and explain why you're applying for the store manager role. In the second paragraph, highlight your skills and experience that are most relevant to the job description. The third paragraph gives you the opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and your gratitude to the employer, while leaving a call to action which encourages them to make contact with you.
You can create a professional cover letter in just a few simple, easy-to-follow steps using Jobseeker's tried and tested cover letter templates.
Writing a store manager resume with no experience needn't be a daunting task. There are still plenty of ways to impress hiring managers with your resume. Use a functional resume format instead of the standard reverse-chronological structure. This emphasizes your skills and education over your work experience. Utilize additional sections at the end of your resume to show you've got what it takes to do the job. These include hobbies and interests, voluntary roles, certifications and internships.
You can use a resume headline to introduce your document and set the tone for your store manager applications. Resume headlines are also a powerful way of increasing your resume's chances of passing the ATS stage. They reference the job title and some of the keywords that match the job description. Take the time to draft a concise, eye-catching headline which includes the job title, one or two key skills and reference to either your experience level or track record.
Below you can see a resume headline example:
- Aspiring Retail Store Manager
- Experienced Retail Store Manager
- Experienced Retail Store Manager
The most suitable resume format for you depends on two crucial factors. Firstly, whether you have a body of relevant work experience. Secondly, the type of job and its seniority level. For entry-level roles, or situations where you're changing to a new career, a functional resume is often the best option. This places your skills and education above your work experience. If, however, you have experience in your chosen profession, a traditional, reverse chronological resume format might be the way to go. This showcases your relevant skills and achievements in your work experience section.
Key takeaways for your store manager resume
The key to a strong resume is to showcase your relevant skills and achievements through your work experience and other activities. Choose a resume structure that makes the most of your relevant experience, whether through work or other activities, and be sure to tailor your resume to match the job description.
Jobseeker has a wealth of resume tools, including resume templates and examples, to help you create a winning job application. Sign up today to get started. Whether you're a junior or senior candidate, a professional cover letter can help to grab the attention of the employer. Jobseeker's cover letter examples were created by careers experts to provide useful tips and ideas for your cover letter.
Sources:
(1) Tips for Writing a Federal Resume, U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/tips-for-writing-a-federal-resume
(2) Resume Tips, Duke University: https://careerhub.students.duke.edu/resources/resume-tips/
